MINNEAPOLIS -- Tarvaris Jackson has read the reports about the Seattle Seahawks' interest in signing him. And the free agent-to-be likes the idea.

"Yeah, it seems like a pretty good opportunity," Jackson said on Friday. "I know the offense. That's a plus."

A second-round draft pick in 2006, Jackson has spent his entire NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who took the same job with the Seattle Seahawks in January.

So, the Seahawks likely will run a similar scheme to what Jackson is used to, at least in the passing game. And with the Vikings moving on at quarterback at a time the NFL lockout has wiped out the offseason, Seattle is a natural fit for Jackson -- if Bevell and the Seahawks want him.

"If free agency would have started in March like it's supposed to, it would have been a lot different," Jackson said. "But being that it is so late, you would like to go somewhere you're familiar so you have a chance.

"If I go to a new system that I never played in before now, you're really learning. You're learning a new offense and just trying to get familiar with the guys. You're kind of behind the eight-ball. Being that (Seattle will run) the same system, it's a good opportunity."

According to NFL sources, the Seahawks have done their due diligence on Jackson -- primarily feeling out how he handled the situation the past two years, when he was atop the depth chart early in training camp, only to see veteran Brett Favre arrive and take away the job in mid-August.

Jackson had his ups and downs with the Vikings, starting 20 games over five seasons but never winning full support from coaches or fans. So, it's worth wondering if Bevell -- with whom Jackson said he has "a pretty good relationship" -- would throw full support behind the acquisition as the Seahawks prepare for the possible free-agent departure of longtime starter Matt Hasselbeck.

There's no doubting Jackson's physical tools, though, and he has been a mainstay at Larry Fitzgerald's group workouts on the "U" campus in recent weeks as he prepares to move on at age 28.

"I'm ready," Jackson said. "I'm actually tired of working out. It's been so long. It's time to do something with pads with the team you're going to be with. I'm probably working out with guys I won't see till next summer."

Loadholt, the starting right tackle, spent time training in Oklahoma and Eden Prairie during the offseason and his efforts showed as he easily completed six 110-yard runs with about 30 others.

"Most of the guys are doing as much as we can to stay in shape," Loadholt said. "We've got a playbook. We can study that as much as we can. But really, we need to get around the coaches and get to work, though."

Loadholt said he got new coordinator Bill Musgrave's playbook from center John Sullivan, who obtained it during the brief period the lockout was lifted in April. He said the blocking schemes will be "totally different" but declined to discuss specifics.

"I like what I see," Loadholt said. "I got the playbook. I'm sure it's not everything that we need, but it's enough to get us going when we do have a chance to get back to camp."

DeGeare struggled to complete the conditioning drills, but he had a decent excuse: he spent the past two days driving from his North Carolina home, with a stop in Ohio along the way.

"Especially when you're expecting three and you run six," said DeGeare, who is about 5 pounds over his playing weight of 335. "But it was all good. My legs need it. It felt good to get out moving like that. But it comes with it. I'm happy with it."

A fifth-round pick who ended up starting the last six games of his rookie season in 2010, DeGeare could have a shot to win a job at right guard, depending on Anthony Herrera's health. DeGeare's game-to-game improvement after Herrera's season-ending knee injury on Nov. 21 bodes well for his chances if he rounds into shape.

"I really think the opportunity's going to be there," Herrera said. "I'm excited to get back to work and try to (impress) the new offensive line coach and everybody else that came along in our organization.

Quick hits

• According to ESPN, the owner-approved labor deal included an expansion of gameday rosters from 45 to 46 players, with the No. 3 quarterback no longer counting as inactive. That could have a positive impact on the Vikings, who likely will want Joe Webb available in certain packages but probably would want someone else as the top backup quarterback.

• Loadholt spent time recently working out with Herrera, who continues to recover from knee reconstruction and triceps surgeries. "He's still rehabbing, but he's looking real good," Loadholt said. "He's pretty much up to speed now."